Lost in transition

May 13, 2012

In fact, throughout the course of my life, I'd say it's been one of my biggest strengths.

Now, however, I've taken multi-tasking to a new level.

I officially took over as editor of The Journal on April 23. From that point on I've been constantly juggling every aspect of my life.

With my family still living in Bemus Point, N.Y., my Friday afternoon commute becomes a bit longer than the average drive home - about five hours in all.

Relaxation doesn't exactly begin when I walk through the door. Between trying to cram a week's worth of family time into a couple of days and trying to prepare a house for sale, I don't even get a moment to lean back in my beloved recliner.

Then there's the Little League - three kids, three different teams. Saturday baseball begins with an 8 a.m. game, then ends some eight hours later. Sundays are church, brunch and laundry, then a five-hour trip back to Berkeley County.

On top of it all, I'm trying to adapt to a new staff and find a place for my family to live before New York schools end on June 21.

Most of it I've done before - it just seems a lot harder when I'm five hours away from family.

I'm a juggler, trying so hard not to focus too long on one object, so I don't drop them all.

Aside from being away from my family, the hardest part of it all is not being able to spend the weekends exploring the area. It's the one ball I haven't had a chance to work into the juggling routine.

I'm like a kid on Christmas morning being told he can't open presents.

I've been awed just driving around both Berkeley and Jefferson counties in how different they are from Chautauqua County, N.Y. I'm greatly anticipating July, when I can take weekend trips around the region with my wife and three boys to visit areas new to us.

What I'm hoping to learn from area natives - or at least those with more Panhandle experience - is what great adventures the area offers. If you have suggestions, please let me know.

I'm excited to see if West Virginia can live up to its "Wild and Wonderful" billing.

I'm also awaiting when I can finally have a couple days of relaxation.